MY HAITI EXPERIENCE :: A VOLUNTEER'S PERSPECTIVE

Deyton Quick's Memoir of Haiti Experience

A few months ago Mike Fedele offered to take me to Haiti with him. Mike had been involved with helping the Hatians for many years and my family was also involved in helping the Orphanage he had started. At first, I wasn't quite sure about it, but after talking to my parents and praying about it I decided to take the offer and go. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made! The trip to Haiti was the best trip I've ever taken. It opened my eyes so much.

When we arrived at the airport in Port-Au-Prince, I could instantly see the extreme harsh conditions of the land. I couldn't believe how bad things were there. You can barely drive on the roads they are so bad; there is garbage everywhere and little huts and buildings are completely destroyed lying in ruins all over the place. In the cities where people are living it looks like something out or a movie; it almost seems fake. It doesn't seem possible that something this horrible is less than an hour away on a airplane flight from the United States. Haiti is less than 500 miles from the U.S.

In most of the cities, as far as the eye can see, there are miles and miles of tents that are in poor condition, more like a tarp draped over a few sticks. This is what people live in; it is their "home." Many people didn't even have tarps - just a few sticks propped up here and there. This is how hundreds and thousands of people live and they live there with no food or water. It is insane and amazing that they can even survive!!!

Just to be there with them and get to know them and help them is the greatest thing I've ever done. I love how just giving them a little box of raisins made them so happy. It was something I'll never forget! Despite their awful conditions, everyone there is so kind and nice. The people living in Mike's house and at the orphanage are so happy and positive! It is uplifting to see and to be a small part of something so worthwhile. I think if anyone goes there they will come back a better person. I encourage everyone to go there. It truly is a life changing experience. I was blessed to be able to go. Thanks again Mike!!!